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Abstract:

Certain example embodiments relate to techniques for bonding automotive
brackets for sensors, rear view mirrors, and/or other components to an
interior surface of the glass. The adhesive films of certain example
embodiments may be film-based adhesives that may be die-cut and
pre-applied to the brackets or components. They may have a good initial
adhesion or green strength immediately upon contact with the glass. In
certain example instances, the films may be applied and successfully bond
to the glass at near ambient temperature conditions to a strength level
adequate to meet operational specifications for the component in under 72
hours.

Claims:

1. A method of bonding a bracket to a vehicle windshield, the method
comprising: applying the bracket to the vehicle windshield, the bracket
having a die-cut film-based adhesive pre-applied to one or more mating
surfaces thereof; and allowing the film-based adhesive to cure at a
temperature at or near ambient so as to bond the bracket to the vehicle
windshield, wherein: the film-based adhesive has an immediate green
strength adequate to fully locate the bracket during subsequent curing of
the adhesive, and the film-based adhesive on the bracket is applied to
the vehicle windshield at a temperature at or near ambient.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the bracket comprises a plurality of
mating surfaces that are spaced apart from one another.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein at least some of the mating surfaces
are feet that are spaced apart by 50-150 mm.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the bracket is made of sintered metals,
cast aluminum, and/or injection-molded hard thermoplastics.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the bonding occurs at a temperature of
about 20-25 degrees C.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein clamps and tapes are not used to hold
the bracket in position while the film-based adhesive cures.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein an adhesion promoter layer is provided
on the vehicle windshield and/or on a surface of the bracket.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the film-based adhesive is an
epoxy-based film that, prior to said applying, is to be stored in a
refrigerated condition to retard curing.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the epoxy-based film is blanked in a
cold state to the bracket prior to said applying.

10. The method of claim 8, further comprising warming the bracket and/or
vehicle windshield to ambient temperature or a temperature slightly
higher than ambient temperature prior to said applying.

11. The method of claim 8, wherein a cure cycle of the epoxy-based film
is activatable by warming the epoxy-based film to ambient temperature.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein the film-based adhesive is a moisture
cured urethane based film that, prior to said applying, is to be stored
in a dry environment.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the moisture cured urethane based
film includes a tacky surface to promote initial adhesion upon contact.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising, after said applying,
exposing the moisture cured urethane based film to an elevated humidity
to promote curing.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the film-based adhesive is a urethane
adhesive film such as that typically used to laminate glass to
polycarbonate.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the urethane adhesive film is
activatable or bondable at temperatures only slightly above ambient.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the film-based adhesive is cured to a
strength level adequate to meet operational specifications for the
component in under 72 hours.

18. A method of bonding a bracket to a vehicle windshield, the bracket
supporting a rear view mirror and/or one or more sensors, the method
comprising: applying the bracket to the vehicle windshield, the bracket
having a die-cut film-based adhesive pre-applied to each of a plurality
of spaced apart mating surfaces thereof; and allowing the film-based
adhesive to cure so as to bond the bracket to the vehicle windshield, any
curing being completed to a desired strength level within 72 hours; the
film-based adhesive on the bracket being applied to the vehicle
windshield and allowed to cure at a temperature at or near ambient; and
the film-based adhesive having an immediate green strength adequate to
fully locate the bracket during subsequent curing of the adhesive.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein: the film-based adhesive is an
epoxy-based film that, prior to said applying, is to be stored in a
refrigerated condition to retard curing; the epoxy-based film is blanked
in a cold state to the bracket prior to said applying; a cure cycle of
the epoxy-based film is activatable by warming the epoxy-based film to
ambient temperature; and further comprising: warming the bracket and/or
vehicle windshield to ambient temperature or a temperature slightly
higher than ambient temperature prior to said applying.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein: the film-based adhesive is a
moisture cured urethane based film that, prior to said applying, is to be
stored in a dry environment; the moisture cured urethane based film
includes a tacky surface to promote initial adhesion upon contact, and
further comprising: after said applying, exposing the moisture cured
urethane based film to an elevated humidity to promote curing.

21. The method of claim 18, wherein: the film-based adhesive is a
urethane adhesive film such as that typically used to laminate glass to
polycarbonate; the urethane adhesive film is activatable or bondable at
temperatures only slightly above ambient; and the film-based adhesive is
cured to a strength level adequate to meet operational specifications for
the component in under 72 hours.

22. A system for bonding a bracket to a vehicle windshield, wherein: the
bracket supports a rear view mirror and/or one or more sensors; the
bracket is applied to the vehicle windshield at a temperature at or near
ambient via a die-cut film-based adhesive pre-applied to each of a
plurality of spaced apart mating surfaces thereof; the film-based
adhesive is curable to a desired strength level at a temperature at or
near ambient within 72 hours of application to the vehicle windshield;
and the film-based adhesive has an immediate green strength adequate to
fully locate the bracket during subsequent curing of the adhesive.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein: the film-based adhesive is an
epoxy-based film that, prior to said applying, is to be stored in a
refrigerated condition to retard curing; the epoxy-based film is blanked
in a cold state to the bracket prior to said applying; a cure cycle of
the epoxy-based film is activatable by warming the epoxy-based film to
ambient temperature; and warming of the bracket and/or vehicle windshield
to ambient temperature or a temperature slightly higher than ambient
temperature prior to said applying facilitates bonding.

24. The system of claim 22, wherein: the film-based adhesive is a
moisture cured urethane based film that, prior to said applying, is to be
stored in a dry environment; the moisture cured urethane based film
includes a tacky surface to promote initial adhesion upon contact; and
exposing the moisture cured urethane based film to an elevated humidity
after initial application promotes curing.

25. The system of claim 22, wherein: the film-based adhesive is a
urethane adhesive film such as that typically used to laminate glass to
polycarbonate; and the urethane adhesive film is activatable or bondable
at temperatures only slightly above ambient.

26. The system of claim 22, wherein at least some of the mating surfaces
are feet that are spaced apart by 50-150 mm.

27. The system of claim 22, wherein the bonding occurs at a temperature
of about 20-25 degrees C.

28. The system of claim 22, further comprising an adhesion promoter layer
is provided on the vehicle windshield and/or on a surface of the bracket.

Description:

[0001] Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques
for mounting brackets to glass substrates, e.g., for automotive
applications. More particularly, certain example embodiments of this
invention relate to techniques for bonding automotive brackets for
sensors, rear view mirrors, and/or other components to an interior
surface of the glass.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Rear view mirror, rain sensor, and other brackets for mounting of
such components conventionally have been bonded to the interior surface
of automotive glass using films made of materials such as polyvinyl
butyral (PVB), structural epoxy, and silicones.

[0003] These typical bonding materials are applied using conventional
techniques and are known to have specific needs in terms of, for example,
temperature and time to achieve cure and, hence, the requisite level of
bond strength. It therefore in the past has been advantageous and
commonplace in the automotive glass industry to apply such brackets at a
stage in the glass lamination process that precedes the autoclaving
process, as the vast majority of automotive laminated glass requires
autoclaving as a part of the normal product flow. As is known,
autoclaving involves processing at elevated temperatures and pressures.
The adhesives used on the brackets thus may be cured to achieve the
desired bond characteristics within the autoclave process, which occurs
downstream of the initial application.

[0004] There is an ever-increasing trend today to add more sensors and
brackets to automotive glass. These sensors oftentimes are added to the
front windshield in the top central area. These sensors include items
such as, for example, rear view mirrors, rain sensors, multifunction
cameras, collision avoidance sensors, lane departure cameras, and the
like. In an effort to consolidate these sensors, many automotive original
equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have developed large brackets designed to
accept the mounting of all of the sensors in one unit. The reasoning is
that consolidating the plural sensors into one large bracket may help
reduce (and possibly even completely avoid) the need to bond many
separate entities and the concomitant need to deal with the tolerance
stack-ups of all of the separate components.

[0005] The autoclaving process involves loading the glass components onto
racks with an air separation between them to promote even heating. The
process is executed as a batch, which helps increase the use of the
interior space of the autoclave, e.g., towards a theoretical maximum
capacity. Unfortunately, the advent of much larger bracketry to be
attached to the glass causes the spacing between parts to be
significantly enlarged, thereby reducing the density of parts in the
autoclave for a given cycle and, in turn, resulting in a net reduction of
process throughput. As autoclaves are a high capital cost item, it
becomes clear that reducing the density of parts in a batch may result in
a prohibitive cost increase to the product.

[0006] Because of this problem, the majority of these larger brackets are
applied in dedicated assembly processes after autoclaving and during the
final assembly of the glass component. The change in the process flow
means that the same adhesive systems are no longer applicable, as one
cannot duplicate the high temperature and high pressure conditions of the
autoclave. Without this process, and for reasons specific to each
adhesive, the required bond strength may not be achieved or the cure time
may be excessively long and thus not effectively manageable within a high
volume process.

[0007] These large brackets now are oftentimes applied with wet adhesive
systems such as moisture cure polyurethane or two part reactive cure
materials. Unfortunately, these materials generally do not have an
immediate grip or "green strength" as applied so the brackets, have tight
positional tolerances, must be either clamped during cure or secured
temporarily by tapes over the top or in selected positions on the surface
contacting the glass, etc. Furthermore, the additional tape steps cause
added cost and have an inherent risk of placement slip of the component.

[0008] Thus, it will be appreciated that there is a need in the art for
improved techniques for bonding automotive brackets for sensors, rear
view mirrors, and/or other components to an interior surface of the
glass, especially where large type brackets are involved.

[0009] Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of
bonding a bracket to a vehicle windshield. The bracket is applied to the
vehicle windshield, with the bracket having a die-cut film-based adhesive
pre-applied to one or more mating surfaces thereof. The film-based
adhesive is allowed to cure at a temperature at or near ambient so as to
bond the bracket to the vehicle windshield. The film-based adhesive has
an immediate green strength adequate to fully locate the bracket during
subsequent curing of the adhesive. The film-based adhesive on the bracket
is applied to the vehicle windshield at a temperature at or near ambient.

[0010] Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a method of
bonding a bracket to a vehicle windshield. The bracket supports a rear
view mirror and/or one or more sensors. The bracket is applied to the
vehicle windshield, with the bracket having a die-cut film-based adhesive
pre-applied to each of a plurality of spaced apart mating surfaces
thereof. The film-based adhesive is allowed to cure so as to bond the
bracket to the vehicle windshield, with any curing being completed to a
desired strength level within 72 hours. The film-based adhesive on the
bracket is applied to the vehicle windshield and allowed to cure at a
temperature at or near ambient. The film-based adhesive has an immediate
green strength adequate to fully locate the bracket during subsequent
curing of the adhesive.

[0011] Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to a system
for bonding a bracket to a vehicle windshield. The bracket supports a
rear view mirror and/or one or more sensors. The bracket is applied to
the vehicle windshield at a temperature at or near ambient via a die-cut
film-based adhesive pre-applied to each of a plurality of spaced apart
mating surfaces thereof. The film-based adhesive is curable to a desired
strength level at a temperature at or near ambient within 72 hours of
application to the vehicle windshield. The film-based adhesive has an
immediate green strength adequate to fully locate the bracket during
subsequent curing of the adhesive.

[0012] According to certain example embodiments, the film-based adhesive
is an epoxy-based film that, prior to said applying, is to be stored in a
refrigerated condition to retard curing. The epoxy-based film is blanked
in a cold state to the bracket prior to said applying. A cure cycle of
the epoxy-based film is activatable by warming the epoxy-based film to
ambient temperature. The bracket and/or vehicle windshield is warmed to
ambient temperature or a temperature slightly higher than ambient
temperature prior to application.

[0013] According to certain example embodiments, the film-based adhesive
is a moisture cured urethane based film that, prior to said applying, is
to be stored in a dry environment. The moisture cured urethane based film
includes a tacky surface to promote initial adhesion upon contact. After
application, the moisture cured urethane based film is exposed to an
elevated humidity to promote curing.

[0014] According to certain example embodiments, the film-based adhesive
is a urethane adhesive film such as that typically used to laminate glass
to polycarbonate. The urethane adhesive film is activatable or bondable
at temperatures only slightly above ambient. The film-based adhesive is
cured to a strength level adequate to meet operational specifications for
the component in under 72 hours.

[0015] The features, aspects, advantages, and example embodiments
described herein may be combined to realize yet further embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of an example enlarged bracket
for connecting a rear view mirror and optionally other components to a
vehicle windshield that may be used in certain example embodiments;

[0021]FIG. 6 is a view of an example rain sensor mounting bracket that
may be used in certain example embodiments;

[0022] FIG. 7 is a view of an example humidity sensor mounting bracket
that may be used in certain example embodiments;

[0023] FIGS. 8-9 are views of a rear wiper grommet that may be used in
certain example embodiments; and

[0024]FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an example wire/terminal
seal that may be used in certain example embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to large
brackets for holding sensors, rear view mirrors, and/or other elements
that are mounted to vehicle windshield interiors. In certain instances,
these brackets are able to resist loading and pass some structural
testing of bond strength per typical automotive OEM specifications. In
certain example embodiments, a film-based adhesive with a sufficiently
high immediate green strength is provided to help ensure positive
placement and location of the brackets following autoclaving. The
film-based adhesives preferably include a reasonable cure time under
ambient or near ambient conditions to provide a finished part meeting the
specified structural bonding specifications of the automotive OEM.

[0026] With conventional or smaller brackets, adhesives typically have
been applied as one piece of film in one location or a few locations very
near each other and were cured in the autoclave process.

[0027] Referring now more particularly to the drawings in which like
components are identified with like reference numerals throughout the
several views, FIGS. 1-3 are views of an example enlarged bracket for
connecting a rear view mirror and optionally other components to a
vehicle windshield that may be used in certain example embodiments. More
particularly, FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of the example
enlarged bracket, FIG. 2 is a top view of the example enlarged bracket,
and FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the example enlarged bracket.

[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the enlarged bracket 100 includes first and
second arms 12a and 12b at a first end thereof, and first and second arms
14a and 14b at a second end thereof. The arms 12a-b and 14a-b are shaped
to support the various components that are to be held in place by virtue
of the bracket 100. Thus, as show in FIG. 1, for example, the first and
second arms 12a and 12b include concave recesses. A first bridge portion
16 connects the first and second arms 12a and 12b and, as described in
greater detail below, provides a first mating surface for bonding the
bracket 100 to the substrate. A second bridge portion 18 is curved when
viewed in cross section and may receive the cylindrical or tubular
portion that extends from the outside-facing portion of a rear view
mirror (away from the viewers) and telescopes into the vehicle cabin.
Holes 20a and 20b in the first and second arms 12a and 12b are arranged
to accommodate electrical and/or other leads, e.g., in the event that a
sensor or other electronic module is to receive power, transmit/receive
signals, etc. Similarly, hole 20c in the first bridge portion 16 may be
arranged to accommodate electrical and/or other leads.

[0029] Trim cover attachment features 22a and 22b are provided to shoulder
portions of the first and second legs 12a and 12b. These attachment
features 22a and 22b may help conceal the bracket from the inside of the
cabin and provide a more aesthetically pleasing appearance of the rear
view mirror while also concealing other electronics and/or sensors.

[0030] As alluded to above, one or more surfaces may be provided on a
bottom side of the bracket 100 so as to facilitate its connection with
the glass substrate that makes up the vehicle windshield. In the FIG. 3
example embodiment, for example, first and second mating surfaces 24a and
24b are provided "below" the shoulder portions of the first and second
arms 12a and 12b, respectively. Mating surface 16a also is provided on an
"underside" of the bridge portion 16. As discussed in greater detail
below, mating surfaces may have a film applied thereto for facilitating
the connection between the bracket and the windshield.

[0031]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an example bracket 40 adapted to
hold a lane departure camera that may be used in certain example
embodiments. The example bracket 40 in FIG. 4 includes adhesive surfaces
42a-c. The upper support 44 holds the camera and includes first and
second arms 46a and 46b with barbs on their ends for further securing the
camera to the bracket 40. FIG. 5 shows an example camera 50 mounted in
the example bracket 40 of FIG. 4. The field of vision 52 also is shown in
FIG. 5. The example shown and described in connection with FIGS. 4-5 may
be provided by KL Glass, although it will be appreciated that other
camera mounting brackets may be used in connection with different example
embodiments of this invention.

[0032]FIG. 6 is a view of an example rain sensor mounting bracket 60 that
may be used in certain example embodiments. FIG. 6 shows the bracket 60
as if viewed from the inside of the vehicle. The adhesive material may be
applied in several areas around the perimeter of the more flat, back side
(not shown). Three such adhesive areas 62a-c are shown in the FIG. 6
example, although more or fewer may be used in different implementations.
The example shown and described in connection with FIG. 6 may be provided
by KL Glass (e.g., under the PF RS bracket name), although it will be
appreciated that other rain sensor mounting brackets may be used in
connection with different example embodiments of this invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 is a view of an example humidity sensor mounting bracket 70
that may be used in certain example embodiments. FIG. 7 shows the bracket
70 as if viewed from the inside of the vehicle. The adhesive material may
be applied in several areas around the perimeter of the more flat, back
side, e.g., in patches (not shown), around the full flat surface, etc.,
depending on the seal requirements. The example shown and described in
connection with FIG. 7 may be provided by KL Glass (e.g., under the PF HS
bracket name), although it will be appreciated that other humidity
mounting brackets may be used in connection with different example
embodiments of this invention.

[0034] FIGS. 8-9 are views of a rear wiper grommet that may be used in
certain example embodiments. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the grommet from the
vehicle exterior and interior, respectively. The adhesive material may be
applied to the all or parts (e.g., in strips or other configurations) of
the flat inner surface shown in FIG. 9, for example. The example shown
and described in connection with FIGS. 8-9 may be provided by KL Glass,
although it will be appreciated that other humidity mounting brackets may
be used in connection with different example embodiments of this
invention.

[0035]FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view of an example wire/terminal
seal that may be used in certain example embodiments. The example shown
in FIG. 10 may be bonded to the glass via any one or more suitable flat
surfaces. As shown in FIG. 10, one or more channels and/or through holes
may be provided for accommodating wires and/or terminals in different
implementations. The example shown and described in connection with FIG.
10 may be provided by Yazaki, although it will be appreciated that other
humidity mounting brackets may be used in connection with different
example embodiments of this invention.

[0036] The larger brackets used in connection with certain example
embodiments involve a post-autoclave solution. They also are much larger
and in certain example embodiments include multiple bonding contact
locations or feet. The feet may be spaced relatively far apart, e.g., in
the order of 50-150 mm in certain example instances. Given that these
large brackets are made of materials other than glass such as, for
example, sintered metals, cast aluminum, injection-molded hard
thermoplastics, etc., it would be desirable to take into consideration
the differences in coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) between the
brackets and the glass component over the operating range of temperature,
which is typically approximately -40 to +85 degrees C.

[0037] Thermal expansion in itself is another reason why bonding of large
brackets within the autoclave process may not be desirable, as the
typical curing temperature in the autoclave is approximately 150 degrees
C. (about 300 degrees F.) which, in turn, results in a rigid bond at high
temperature that is then permanently stressed by dissimilar contraction
of the materials to ambient temperature. In this case, the cold operating
limit may then provide a condition of highest and perhaps unacceptable
stress. In contrast with the high temperatures involved during
autoclaving, bonding at a temperature nearer to the midpoint of the
operating range may be advantageous in terms of reducing the stresses on
the bonds that may be caused by thermal expansion or contraction. Thus,
certain example embodiments may involve bonding at a temperature of about
0-100 degrees C., more preferably about 10-75 degrees C., and still more
preferably about 20-25 degrees C.

[0038] As a result, many of the most common adhesive systems that are heat
cured or heat activated are disadvantageous for the types of applications
contemplated herein.

[0039] Ambient temperature bonding may be achieved using many liquid or
paste systems comprising wet urethanes (e.g., moisture cure or two-part
urethanes), silicones, and the like. However, these systems are
disadvantageous in that they offer no immediate bond strength upon
contact and thus instead require temporary clamping or taping to
temporarily hold position while the bonding adhesive cures. In many
cases, pressure sensitive adhesive tape is selectively placed on the bond
surface, wet adhesive is placed in the bonding areas not covered by this
tape, and the part is applied. The result is that the pressure sensitive
tape sections temporarily hold the component while the structural
adhesive cures. As will be appreciated, this approach has elevated
material and process costs and risks failure if the pressure sensitive
tape areas are contaminated with the wet adhesive during the application
or wet-out process. In contrast, certain example embodiments do not
involve clamping or taping to serve locating, temporary positioning, or
other purposes.

[0040] The adhesive films for post-autoclave attachment of large brackets
may possess certain example attributes. First, the adhesive films of
certain example embodiments may be film-based adhesives that may be
die-cut and pre-applied to the brackets or components.

[0041] Second, the adhesive films of certain example embodiments may have
a good initial adhesion or green strength immediately upon contact with
the glass. This adhesion in certain example instances preferably is
adequate to fully locate the bracket during any remaining cure of the
adhesive. Thus, as indicated above, further clamping, taping, or the
like, may not be necessary in certain example embodiments.

[0042] Third, the adhesive films of certain example embodiments may be
applied to the glass at near ambient temperature conditions and also
successfully bond at the same or similar temperatures.

[0043] Fourth, the adhesive films of certain example embodiments may cure
to a strength level adequate to meet operational specifications for the
component in under 72 hours at ambient temperature. Specific humidity
conditions (e.g., high/elevated or low/reduced humidity conditions) may
be provided to meet such example target bonding times.

[0044] Fifth, the adhesive films of certain example embodiments may
involve an adhesion promoter layer on the glass or bracket surface. For
instance, adhesion may be facilitated by fully or partially coating the
surface(s) on the glass and/or the bracket with a material applied via,
for example, e-coating, anodizing, etc. In certain example embodiments, a
powder coat may be used to promote adhesion.

[0045] There are several potential adhesives that may meet the
above-described example design criteria. Although there are potentially
more, identified below are three candidate materials that may be selected
for each application based on their compatibility with the bracket
material and the relative total cost of material and processing for the
application.

[0046] The list of candidate materials includes, for example, an
epoxy-based film that would be stored in a refrigerated condition to
retard curing. It may be blanked in a cold state to the brackets. The
assembly (e.g., the bracket and/or vehicle windshield) may be warmed to
ambient or slightly higher than ambient temperature prior to application
to the glass. The cure cycle in such cases may occur at or around ambient
temperature and may be activated by warming to the ambient temperature.
Of course, other materials may involve different temperatures and/or
times, some of which may be above ambient (such as, for example, heating
to approximately 180 degrees F. or about 85 degrees C. for 10 minutes
after application). L&L Adhesives currently manufactures a currently
unnamed epoxy-based film that is suitable for use in connection with
certain example embodiments, although other epoxy-based films with the
same or similar properties and/or compositions may of course be used in
different embodiments of this invention.

[0047] The list of candidate materials also includes, for example, a
moisture cured urethane based film that is stored in a dry environment to
reduce or prevent curing. This film may have a tacky surface to promote
initial adhesion upon contact. After application, it may be exposed to a
sufficiently high humidity to promote curing. Adhezion currently
manufactures a urethane film that is suitable for use in connection with
certain example embodiments, and Rapidex is another example hot melt
adhesive that may be used in connection with certain example embodiments,
although other moisture cured urethane based films with the same or
similar properties and/or compositions may of course be used in different
embodiments of this invention.

[0048] The list of candidate materials also includes, for example, a
urethane adhesive film such as that typically used to laminate glass to
polycarbonate. This film may be activated or bonded at temperatures only
slightly above ambient. Huntsman's Krystalflex is a commercially
available urethane adhesive film that is suitable for use in connection
with certain example embodiments, although other urethane adhesive films
with the same or similar properties and/or compositions may of course be
used in different embodiments of this invention.

[0049] Although an example large bracket has been described herein, the
example techniques disclosed herein may be used in connection with other
types of large brackets for holding a plurality of elements. Furthermore,
although certain example embodiments are described as relating to large
brackets that resist loading and pass structural testing of bond
strength, the example techniques described herein may be applied to other
brackets including, for example, smaller brackets for holding only one or
a few of the same or different components, brackets that are not intended
to bear a significant load in service, brackets that are not required to
pass structural adhesive tests and standards, etc. Still further,
although an example bracket was shown and described in connection with
FIGS. 1-3, other bracket designs are of course possible in different
embodiments of this invention. Such alternative bracket designs may have
one, two, three, or any number of mating surfaces, e.g., as appropriate
for the design of the bracket and the mounting requirements often imposed
by OEMs.

[0050] While certain example embodiments have been discussed in connection
with front windshields for automotive applications, the example
techniques herein may be applied with respect to rear windshields, side
windshields, sun/moon roofs, etc. The example techniques used herein also
may be applicable to non-automotive applications including residential or
commercial farm or construction equipment, or any application where it is
desirable to bond large brackets of the materials described herein to
glass. Such further applications may include, for example, solar
photovoltaic applications.

[0051] As used herein, the terms "on," "supported by," and the like should
not be interpreted to mean that two elements are directly adjacent to one
another unless explicitly stated. In other words, a first layer may be
said to be "on" or "supported by" a second layer, even if there are one
or more layers therebetween.

[0052] While the invention has been described in connection with what is
presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment,
it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the
disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various
modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and
scope of the appended claims.